Given the importance of the control panel in cycle and setting selection, you wouldn’t want it to fail on your GE dishwasher. Indeed, you wouldn’t want to deal with a GE dishwasher control panel not working, as that means you cannot operate the dishwasher.
A GE dishwasher control panel often doesn’t work due to the Control Lock, an unlatched door, lack of power, a defective touchpad, a damaged control panel, filthy ribbon cables, or a dead control board.
In that case, you must consider at least seven issues when your GE dishwasher’s control panel becomes non-responsive. Remember, it could be that the control panel won’t turn on or has power but won’t run or is inoperable.
Regardless of the issue, it’s fixable, and this troubleshooting guide shall prove that. But first, I’ll walk you through the dishwasher reset process, which should be your first troubleshooting step. At times, all it takes to get the control panel back working is a reset, so it’s critical to try it first.
Here we go!
In a hurry? Check out the seven issues that could stop a GE dishwasher control panel from working and their fixes.
Quick Guide for Troubleshooting a Non-Working GE Dishwasher Control Panel
| – | Likely Problem | Recommended Fix |
| 1. | Enabled Control Lock | Disable Control Lock |
| 2. | Unlatched Door | Shut the unlatched door |
| 3. | Lack of Power | Ensure the dishwasher has power and turns on |
| 4. | Defective Touchpad | Replace the touchpad |
| 5. | Damaged Control Panel | Replace the control panel |
| 6. | Filthy Ribbon Cables | Clean (if grimy) or replace (if rusty) the ribbon cables |
| 7. | Dead Control Board | Replace the control board |
How Do I Reset My GE Dishwasher Control Panel?
Generally, it’s a brilliant idea to try and reset the control panel when it won’t work. Some control panel issues are best fixed this way, and here’s how you can do it:
Option 1 – Reset Button
Check if your GE dishwasher has the reset button. If it does have it, press the button once or twice and allow the dishwasher time to reset.
Option 2 – Power Disconnect
Consider plugging out the dishwasher or switching it from the circuit breaker for at least 30 seconds. Then plug it back and start it.
Option 3 – Heated-Dry Touchpad Reset
This is primarily applicable to GE profile dishwashers, and this is what it takes to perform the GE Profile Dishwasher Control Panel Reset:
- Locate Heated-Dry on your dishwasher
- Hold it for ½ minute to forcefully reset the dishwasher
- Release the button and restart the dishwasher
Why is My GE Dishwasher Control Panel Not Working?
Consider these seven reasons if your GE dishwasher control panel is non-responsive:
1. Control Lock is ON
The Control Lock function generally locks the control panel, making it unresponsive. This is, however, a setting issue, which means it shouldn’t be of concern as it doesn’t point to a dishwasher problem.
Fix
Press the Control Lock switch for 2-3 seconds to disable the function. If that doesn’t work, reset the dishwasher using any of the three reset options shared above.
2. The Dishwasher Door Could Be Unlatched
Sometimes the control panel doesn’t respond to commands because of an unlatched door. That’s why it’s essential to properly latch the door before running the dishwasher.
Overall, the door could be open due to different reasons. It could be that you forgot to shut it firmly, there are obstructive dishes, or a faulty door latch.
In the case of obstructive dishes, that happens when you improperly load the dishwasher, allowing some dishes to extend beyond the door line. And in the case of a faulty door latch, the door latch could be broken, thus unable to engage and lock the door.
Fix
Try closing your dishwasher’s door, and if it doesn’t, see if some dishes are on its path and remove them. And if the door latch is broken, replace it.
3. The Dishwasher Lacks Power
You cannot expect your dishwasher control panel to light up and respond to the commands without power. This usually is easy since the dishwasher won’t indicate.
Overall, here are the issues to check when your GE dishwasher lacks power:
- Power loss
- Failure to turn on the dishwasher
- Unplugged or damaged dishwasher power cable
- Tripped breaker
- Defective socket
- Blown-up fuse
- Electrical fault
Fix
First, check if there has been a power loss. If not, ensure the dishwasher is plugged into the socket and turned on. Reset the circuit breaker if it’s OFF and check the power socket and thermal fuse with a multimeter. If any of them lacks continuity, replace them.
Call an expert, however, to fix an electrical fault. You can call the local electrician here.
4. The Dishwasher’s Touchpad Might Be Defective
Try pressing all the buttons on the control panel. The touchpad is likely defective if some are responsive while others aren’t. However, if all the buttons aren’t responsive, it could be the control panel (shared below) or the lack of power (shared above).
Fix
Consider replacing the touchpad if some of the control panel buttons are unresponsive.
5. The Control Panel Could Be Damaged
Now, if none of the buttons on the control panel is responsive, it’s highly likely that the control panel is damaged. That could be due to moisture damage from a leaking dishwasher or physical damage to the buttons.
But just to be sure, rule out any power issue and, if possible, visually examine the control panel for signs of damage.
Fix
Replace the control panel if all the buttons are non-responsive, and it’s not a power issue.
Generally, here are the steps for a GE dishwasher control panel replacement:
- Unplug the dishwasher from the wall socket
- Unscrew the faulty control panel and detach its wiring harness
- Attach the wiring harness to the replacement control panel
- Attach the replacement control panel to the dishwasher (together with the wiring harness)
- Plug back the dishwasher and start it
6. The Ribbon Cables Might Be Filthy
Sometimes the reason why the control panel won’t work is due to the ribbon cables being filthy. The wires could be rusty or heavily grimy, thus unable to communicate to the control panel when you touch it.
Fix
Try to clean the ribbon cables to get rid of the grime, and if you can’t do it or the wires are rusty, replace them.
7. The Control Board Could Be Dead
The last consideration is the control board. Like in the case of the control panel, the control board is likely to be defective if all the buttons aren’t responsive. But first, you ought to rule out a failed power supply or faulty control panel.
Fix
Replace the control board if none of the dishwasher’s controls or buttons is responsive and the issue is not a power issue. Remember, however, to first reset the washer and restart it. Then replace the control panel before replacing the control board.
GE Profile Dishwasher Control Panel Not Working
Here’s how to troubleshoot a non-working GE profile dishwasher control panel:
- Deactivate Control Lock if it’s on
- Properly latch the dishwasher door and replace the door latch if it’s not working
- Ensure the dishwasher has an ample power supply
- Replace the touchpad if some of the buttons are unresponsive
- Replace the control panel if all the buttons are unresponsive
- Clean the ribbon cables if they are filthy, or replace them
GE Cafe Dishwasher Control Panel Not Working
When it comes to the GE Café, its control panel can be non-responsive due to these reasons:
- The dishwasher door could be unlatched
- The control lock function could be on
- Lack of adequate power supply or possible power disruption
- Defective touchpad or control pane
- A dead control board
- Filthy ribbon cables
GE Dishwasher Control Panel Won’t Turn On
The GE dishwasher control panel won’t turn on due to an active Control Lock or Lack of Power.
Starting with Control Lock;
Control Lock disables the entire control panel, meaning you cannot operate it. To engage the control panel and start the dishwasher, you must first deactivate Control Lock.
Remember, you can hold the switch for a few seconds, pressing Heated-Dry, or unplugging or switching off its breaker power supply for at least 30 seconds.
In the case of failed power, ensure your GE dishwasher has power. If it doesn’t, check for any source of power disruption, such as a tripped breaker, loose plug, and blown-up fuse, and fix it. But if you suspect a technical wiring fault, call an electrician.
People Also Ask
1. How Do I Reset My GE Dishwasher Control Board?
You can reset a GE dishwasher’s control board in three ways. First, you can press the reset button if the dishwasher model has it and hold the button for about 3 seconds.
Secondly, you can plug out the dishwasher or turn off its breaker for at least 30 seconds. And lastly, you can press Heated-Dry for 3 seconds to reset it.
2. How Do I Know If My Dishwasher Control Panel Is Bad?
You can tell a bad dishwasher control panel if it’s non-responsive. Just try to press the buttons, and if none is responsive and it’s not a power problem, then the control panel is defective.
Another way to tell a bad control panel is to try turning on the dishwasher. That is if the control panel has power. If your GE dishwasher won’t start when you press start, then that shows the control panel is defective.
3. Is It Worth It to Replace the Dishwasher Control Panel?
A new dishwasher may cost you about $500 on average. In terms of replacing the control panel, it shouldn’t cost you more than half that (that’s $250). If it is, it’s better to buy a new dishwasher than replace the control panel of an existing one.
Concluding Thoughts on a GE Dishwasher Control Panel Not Working:
Above are the most likely reasons behind a non-responsive GE dishwasher control panel. First, check if the Control Lock is on and disable it. Then properly latch the dishwasher door and ensure it has power.
And if you have a defective touchpad, damaged control panel, rusty ribbon cable, or a dead control board, replace it.
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